Hands-on review: Google TV Streamer 4K
I have been pondering how to describe the Google TV Streamer 4K. After a week or so of using it, I can see why other reviewers compare it with Apple TV. Google describe it as "the newest, next generation 4K TV streaming device." It enables you to access all your streaming services such as Prime, Netflix and Apple TV, but it also integrates as a smart hub for your increasingly smart home.
The Google Streamer TV 4K consists of a hub and a remote. I would not call myself a Google digital native, but I found setting up the Google TV Streamer an easy and straightforward process. You will need a mobile device to help you with the setup, and I had no problems using my iPhone. You will find having the Google Authenticator app quite handy. The hub itself has a small footprint and the remote is a friendly size and is easy to master. If you mislay the remote, you can either ask Google to find it (you'll need Nest speakers for this) or press the button on the back of the Google TV Streamer.
Designed to be connected to your TV, it is a progression from earlier Chromecast devices. It comes with 32GB of storage, so you can happily store your favourite Apps from the Google Store. My television is not 4K, but it does have HDMI inputs, so the interface is not a problem. Connecting to my sound bar was also a simple process. Interface is through a remote which also includes YouTube and Netflix buttons and easily usable buttons. There is also a voice interface that makes searching across your streaming as simple as saying, "Find Star Trek Movies." The Google TV Streamer allows you to "search less and stream more," as they say on their website. You can connect to your home network via WIFI or Ethernet connections, and then it's just a matter of logging into your streaming services.
At this stage I queried the advantage of Google TV Streamer 4K over the interface on my Android Smart TV. This innocent question embarked me on a journey towards making my smart home smarter. I have a range of smart devices, from security cameras to doorbells to smart lighting. Google TV Streamer can also operate as a convenient Smart Home hub using Google Home. This discovery took me on a journey to find out exactly what Matter is. It turns out it is an industry standard, introduced by Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung. The kinds of devices covered is growing, but can be basically grouped into areas like lighting, smart locks, air purifiers, blinds and shades, plugs, televisions, robot vacuums, just to name a few. There are online databases that have extensive lists of products that are supported. If you are a fan of Google smart devices, their store has an extensive array of products. I recommend doing your research however, because there are some smart devices (ones that have their own specific hubs in my experience) that are not covered. While I have a range of smart home devices, I admit to my shame that I tend to use them in isolation and not through a centralised hub. That explains the pages of Apps on my iPhone that I have to scroll through to find the right lightbulb for different rooms in the house.
You don't need to be a Google native to enjoy the Google TV Streamer. I watched one or two online reviews that hinted at this, but our planet is evolving. You no longer need to be a devotee of a specific brand. However, in some cases, it will enable you to enjoy the immersive experience that Google describes. For example, the Google store gives this tip; "For even more immersive listening, pair your Pixel Buds Pro for spatial audio." Other devices also promise a streamlined experience, such as using Gemini on the Google Pixel Phone. They also promise "a big leap in performance and connectivity" with faster processors than the Google Chromecast devices, as well as increased storage.
The Google store has a listed price of $99, with the product soon to be released into the marketplace.
